LimeBike, the leading smart bikeshare provider, launched their first electric-assist bike fleet in Seattle today as part of the nation's largest shared electric assist bike release in history. With this launch, Seattle will have more shared e-bikes than any other city in the country.

Called Lime-E, these electric assist bikes will cost riders $1 to unlock and an additional $0.10 per minute of riding time. The updated pricing allows Lime-E to be one of the most affordable modes of transportation, and offers upgraded technology and faster speeds for riders.

The faster bikes will enable Seattle riders to get to their destinations more quickly, but still more affordably than driving or using traditional rideshare services. The maximum speed on the bikes is 14.8 MPH and the power will automatically adjust to adapt to the users' natural pedal experience. Riders can easily climb up the 30 degree hills in Seattle.

"Lime-E will provide Seattle with a fast, efficient, equitable source of first-and-last mile transportation at no cost to the city and minimal cost to riders," said Toby Sun, co-founder and CEO of LimeBike. "We are constantly transforming and adapting our fleet to fit the needs of each market, and we're excited to offer our electric assist bikes to Seattle first."

After the first market launch in June 2017, LimeBike is currently available in 45 markets, making it the fastest-growing smart bikeshare in the U.S. This e-assist launch transitions LimeBike from a smart bikeshare company to a smart mobility solution provider.

In the coming months, LimeBike plans to roll out Lime-E beyond Seattle, including Southern California and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Lime-E usage is already proving success in pilot markets by increasing the usage of pedal bikes even further.